Howitzer — How itz*er, n. [G. haubitze, formerly hauffnitz, Bohem. haufnice, orig., a sling.] (Mil.) (a) A gun so short that the projectile, which was hollow, could be put in its place by hand; a kind of mortar. [Obs.] (b) A short, light, largebore cannon,… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Howitzer — A howitzer is a type of artillery piece that is characterized by a relatively short barrel and the use of comparatively small explosive charges to propel projectiles at trajectories with a steep angle of descent. In the taxonomies of artillery… … Wikipedia

howitzer — 1. A cannon that combines certain characteristics of guns and mortars. The howitzer delivers projectiles with medium velocities, either by low or high trajectories. 2. Normally a cannon with a tube length of 20 to 30 calibers; however, the tube… … Military dictionary

howitzer — noun /ˈhaʊw.ɪts.ə(ɹ)/ a) A cannon that combines certain characteristics of guns and mortars. The howitzer delivers projectiles with medium velocities, either by low or high trajectories. JP 1 02. b) Normally a cannon with a tube length of 20 to… … Wiktionary

howitzer — UK [ˈhaʊɪtsə(r)] / US [ˈhaʊɪtsər] noun [countable] Word forms howitzer : singular howitzer plural howitzers a type of large gun that soldiers use for firing missiles high into the air … English dictionary

howitzer — /ˈhaʊɪtsə/ (say howitsuh) noun a comparatively short barrelled cannon, used especially for shelling at a steep angle, as in reaching troops behind cover. {earlier hauwitzer, apparently from Dutch houwitser, from houwits(e) catapult. Compare… … Australian English dictionary